Vestibular and Balance Therapy

WHAT IS BALANCE?

Balance is a complex task that is controlled by the brain with input from the visual system, vestibular system of the inner ear and joint sensors of the somatosensory system. These systems work together to provide input to the brain to allow you to do everyday movements like standing, walking, reaching, and turning. Weakness in any system can cause episodes of vertigo, impaired function, and increases the risk of falling. Vestibular therapy is designed to help organize and teach specific exercises to help these systems.

WHAT IS VESTIBULAR THERAPY?

Vestibular therapy is specialized physical therapy directed toward helping to stop or reduce the symptoms of dizziness or imbalance caused by vestibular or other health disorders.

WHAT CAN WE TREAT?

Disorders that may benefit from vestibular therapy include, but are not limited to:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Vestibular Labyrinthitis/Neuritis

Meniere’s Disease

Central vertigo including tumor, CVA, or head injury.

Peripheral neuropathy

Orthopedic conditions

Unsteady gait issues

Disuse disequilibrium

Concussion therapy

WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INCLUDE?

Potential treatment may include activities such as Epley Repositioning Maneuver for BPPV, exercise instruction to reduce dizziness with movement including gaze stabilization and habituation exercises, balance retraining, strengthening of key muscle groups to improve balance reactions, cervical screening, and instruction in compensatory techniques to reduce or control the dizziness and imbalances during daily activities. Treatment can be as much as two to three times a week or one time a week over a period of one to two months depending on the patient’s needs. The therapist will set up the best treatment program based on the physician’s orders and the patient’s goals.